Goal 15 – Life on Land

The world’s forests cover 30% of the Earth’s surface, and help us fight climate change, yet thirteen million hectares of forest are lost annually. Dry-lands are also experiencing degradation, and lead to the extreme desertification of 3.6 billion hectares. These occurrences counteract the sustainable development and proactive forest and desertification management necessary in order to conserve and restores these ecosystems.

Unfortunately land degradation mainly affects poverty stricken and poor societies (74% of poor communities), which adds to their burdens. Humans are not the only ones affected: 80% of terrestrial fauna and flora are found in forests, and with deforestation they are left without their natural habitat.

If SDG 15 is carried out, the world’s forests, mountains, dry-lands, and wetlands will be conserved and restored by 2020. This will bring about sustainable development and halt deforestation to protect natural habitats and threatened species.

Taking part in one of our Wildlife Conservation and Awareness Projects give you the chance to take part in a sustainable project which aims to yield long-term results within conservation. Get involved in conducting research, protecting endangered species, mapping habitats and educating local communities on how to look after their unique environments.

An Introduction to Goal 15

Written and created by our Sales Team

Our Data

Total number of participants
successfully trained in survey techniques

Total amount of GBP
raised for anti-poaching

Worldwide Data

5

Around 1.6 billion people

depend on forests for their livelihood – this includes some 70 million indigenous people

5

Forests are home to

more than 80 per cent of all terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects

5

As of 2008, land degradation

affected 1.5 billion people globally

5

The overwhelming majority of people

living on less than $1.25 a day belong to two regions: Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa

5

Due to drought and desertification

each year 12 million hectares are lost (23 hectares per minute)

5

Of the 8,300 animal breeds known,

8 per cent are extinct and 22 per cent are at risk of extinction

Our Related UN Targets

15.5

Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the
loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

15.7

Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species
of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products